Santa lands at Shoppers Mall

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This article was published 30/11/2021 (1583 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Attention shoppers: Santa is back.

The Jolly Old Elf has returned to Shoppers Mall in Brandon for the first time in nearly two years for pictures, greeting children of all ages and of course, taking your Christmas wish lists back to the North Pole.

The mall welcomed him back on Saturday in his “workshop” next to Scotiabank with a lot of fanfare, said Raul Caro, marketing manager for Shoppers Mall. It was a big, enthusiastic crowd for his return, and since then, there has been a steady stream of families eager to once again see Santa in person.

There has been feedback since the debut and the mall is working to accommodate as many people as they can. They are taking comments on social media, the website and customer support.

This year Santa will be at Shoppers Mall until Dec. 23. The mall is making it easier for people to plan their visit with Santa and get a few extras if they want them. Along with the traditional walk-in, chat, photos and some treats, people can now book ahead for a sitting. Appointments can be made at the photo booth or through the mall’s website.

There are different packages for people to choose from for digital and print photos.

“Having that experience of a Santa photo is very important, so it’s good to have options, and we are offering that this year to have that guaranteed spot,” Caro said.

To make it even more accessible, there will be some special dates and times, such as a sensory-sensitive Santa on Dec. 5 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and a pet photo night Dec. 13 from 5 to 7 p.m.

To follow COVID-19 protocols, visitors must physically distance themselves and Santa cannot touch or let anyone sit on his knee this year. Masks may be removed for the photo. There are colourful gift boxes in front of Santa’s chair for people to sit on.

When asked how happy he is to be back in Brandon, Santa (Benjamin Mason) was at first speechless, then said it was absolutely wonderful.

“I’ve seen a lot of children, ladies and gentlemen, and all of them have a higher energy, they are so happy and there is a lot of excitement,” he said.

There are several people filling Santa’s boots this year. Caro said they have screened all their Santas for this year to make it a special one.

Just outside the workshop, there is also a selfie station set up for anyone wanting to get their own holiday photos.

The mall is also running a toy drive for Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Just outside Santa’s workshop is a tree with the names and ages of children in the program for whom people can buy gifts. All presents can be dropped off at the workshop in the giant toy box.

» kmckinley@brandonsun.com